Pre-and Post employment assessment can be a powerful tool for building an adaptive workforce – a team that thrives in today’s dynamic environment. Fueled by technological advancements, globalisation, and ever-evolving customer demands, companies need employees who are agile and can efficiently adjust to changing priorities, embrace new technologies, and continuously learn. While fostering a culture of continuous learning is crucial, building this adaptability starts at the very beginning – during the recruitment process by selecting candidates with the right cognitive and agility abilities. Through a thoughtful assessment or screening process that is integrated with your HR process, you can identify candidates who possess the right characteristics for the particular position that will make them valuable members of your future-proof workforce.
Identifying the Traits of Agility and or Adaptability
So, what exactly are the hallmarks of an agile employee? Here are some key qualities to consider when designing your pre-employment screening process:
- Learning Agility: Look for candidates who demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn new skills quickly. This could be evidenced by past experiences taking on new challenges, enrolling in additional courses, or a strong track record of picking up new technologies.
- Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify and solve problems creatively is a vital asset in an ever-changing environment. Look for candidates who can showcase their problem-solving skills through behavioural interview questions or situational judgement tests.
- Openness to Change: A key element of adaptability is embracing change. During the screening process, assess a candidate’s comfort level with change by asking questions about how they handled past transitions or new initiatives in their previous roles.
- Collaboration and Communication: The ability to work effectively within teams and communicate clearly across diverse backgrounds is essential for navigating complex challenges. Group interviews or case studies that require teamwork can be valuable tools to assess these skills.
Beyond the Resume: Effective Screening Techniques
Employment screening goes beyond simply reviewing resumes and conducting traditional interviews. Here are some effective techniques that can help you identify adaptable candidates:
- Competency-Based Assessments: This method evaluates a candidate’s skills and knowledge specific to the job. It can involve scenario-based questions, simulations, or work sample tests. These assessments reveal a candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge and perform the required tasks effectively.
- Personality Assessments: These assessments delve into a candidate’s behavioural traits, work style, and cultural fit. They often use questionnaires or personality tests to identify how a candidate interacts with others, handles stress, and approaches problem-solving.
- Cognitive Ability Tests: These tests measure a candidate’s mental abilities relevant to the job. They might assess skills like critical thinking, reasoning, learning agility, and decision-making. These tests can be particularly useful for roles requiring quick thinking and problem-solving under pressure.
- Integrity Tests: These assessments evaluate a candidate’s honesty, ethical values, and propensity for following rules. They can be helpful in identifying candidates who are reliable, trustworthy, and committed to ethical conduct.
Building a Culture of Continuous Learning
While Employment Assessments help identify adaptable candidates, it’s just the first step. Creating a culture of continuous learning is essential for sustaining an adaptive workforce. Here’s how Phakisa can take this a step further:
- Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced employees with new hires to facilitate knowledge transfer and provide guidance as they navigate new technologies or processes.
- Internal Training and Development: Invest in ongoing training programs that equip employees with the skills they need to stay relevant and adapt to changing industry demands.
- Open Communication: Encourage open communication channels where employees feel comfortable raising questions, sharing ideas, and providing feedback. This fosters a culture of learning and innovation.
Identifying Adaptable Candidates Through -Employment Screening
Trait | Screening Techniques | Examples |
Learning Agility | – Review resumes for evidence of continuous learning (courses, certifications) – Behavioural interview questions about past challenges requiring new skills acquisition | – Candidate highlights participation in online courses or industry conferences. – Candidate describes a time they learned a new software program to complete a project. |
Problem-Solving Skills | – Situational judgement tests presenting real-world work scenarios – Behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving approaches | – Candidates score well on a test that assesses their ability to identify and analyse complex problems. – Candidate provides a detailed example of how they identified and solved a problem at their previous job. |
Openness to Change | – Behavioral interview questions about past experiences with change – Reference checks to explore candidate’s adaptability in previous roles | – Candidate demonstrates a positive attitude towards past company restructuring or new technology implementation. – References confirm the candidate’s willingness to embrace change and learn new things. |
Collaboration and Communication | – Group interviews or case studies requiring teamwork – Assessments measuring communication skills | – Candidate actively participates and demonstrates strong communication skills during a group interview. – Candidates score highly on a written communication assessment. |
Building an Adaptive Workforce Starts Today
By adopting a strategic approach to pre- and post-employment assessment and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Phakisa can build a future-proof workforce that is adaptable, agile, and ready to thrive in the dynamic South African business landscape.
Ready to take the first step towards building a future-proof, adaptable workforce? Phakisa can help! We offer comprehensive recruitment solutions designed to identify the best talent for your organisation.
Fill out our Needs Assessment Form to discuss your specific requirements and learn how Phakisa’s pre- and post-employment assessment services can help you build an agile team that thrives.
